TLDR

The main difference between a mini tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is the muscle. With a mini tummy tuck, we do not tighten the muscles in the midline. We remove fat with liposuction, then remove the lower abdomen skin. A traditional tummy tuck does that and also tightens the midline muscles.

Why We Wrote This

Yes, we wrote this to be found when you search the difference between a mini and a traditional tummy tuck. We are glad you are here. Dr. Schneider gets this question often, so we put his answer in writing, in plain language and with no pressure.

What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck?

The main difference between a mini tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck is that we do not tighten the muscles in the midline with a mini. A mini removes fat and lower abdomen skin only. A traditional tummy tuck adds the step of tightening the midline muscles.

What does a mini tummy tuck involve?

A mini tummy tuck involves two steps. First, we remove fat with liposuction. Second, we remove the skin from the lower abdomen. We do not tighten the midline muscles, which is what sets it apart from a traditional tummy tuck.

What does a traditional tummy tuck involve?

A traditional tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, does everything a mini does and also tightens the muscles in the midline. That added muscle work is the defining difference between the two procedures.

Does the recovery differ between the two?

Yes. Because the mini does not include tightening the midline muscles, it has a quicker recovery than a traditional tummy tuck. We cover this in detail in our guide to mini tummy tuck recovery.

Meet Dr. Schneider

Dr. Schneider is a board-certified head and neck surgeon with subcertification in facial plastic surgery from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He trained at the University of Minnesota and completed a fellowship at OHSU, and he books one surgery a day, so the whole day belongs to you.

Looking for a tummy tuck in the Twin Cities?

We wrote this to earn your trust, and we would be glad to earn your business too. If you are considering a tummy tuck anywhere in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, we would love to meet you. Riverview Facial Plastic Surgery is located in St. Paul at 991 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Suite 202.

Call us at 651-493-8501 or schedule your complimentary consultation.